Legal Update: Amendments to the Penal Code
Law No. 3 of 2025 Amending Decree Law No. 15 of 1976
Law No. 3 of 2025 (the “Amendment”) introduces changes to Decree Law No.15 of 1976 (the “Penal Code”), as amended. The provisions of the Penal Code will be amended with immediate effect through the Shura Council and the House of Representatives. The amendment aims to criminalize theft or misuse of electronic devices used for communication or data storage. Moreover, it imposes a minimum one-year prison sentence if such devices are stolen to access information or images. It also sets penalties of up to two years imprisonment or fines for related offenses involving these devices.
The law introduces explicit penalties for seizing electronic devices with the intent of obtaining data, or information. This includes devices capable of high-speed processing and communication.
Key Amendments to Existing Provisions
Definition of Tools/Devices – Article 380 (12)
The definition of tools and devices has been expanded to include mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and other electronic, magnetic, optical, or electrochemical devices that can store, send, or process data.
Minimum Penalty – Article 380
A minimum penalty has been introduced, it is a one-year imprisonment if any such devices are stolen with the intent of obtaining information, data, or images.
Further Amendments – Article 396
A penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine not exceeding BHD 500 applies if the crime involves certain electronic devices. If the intent is to obtain information, data, or images, the penalty may be both imprisonment and a fine, or one of the two.
Newly Introduced Provisions
The Amendment introduces explicit penalties for seizing electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops with the intent of obtaining images, data, or information. These provisions apply to modern devices capable of high-speed communication and processing, reinforcing the Penal Code’s relevance to evolving technology.
Implementation Timeline
The Amendment, approved by the Shura Council and the House of Representatives, introduces immediate changes to the Penal Code.
For further guidance on aligning with the amended provisions of the Penal Code, please contact our Litigation Team.
